Sunday, October 21, 2018

Review: Bear Can't Sleep by Karma Wilson


BEAR CAN'T SLEEP
by Karma Wilson
Illustrated by Jane Chapman
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Picture Book
40 pages 
ages 4 to 8

COMING...
OCTOBER 23rd, 2018!!!

Bear’s many animal friends try to help him get to sleep in time for winter hibernation in this companion story to Bear Snores On.

It’s winter, and deep in the forest, Bear should be fast asleep. But when his friends come by to check on him, they realize that Bear is still awake! They brew him hot tea and sing him lullabies, but nothing seems to work. Can Bear get to bed? Or will he be up all winter?
 



MY TIDBITS


Bears should hibernate during the winter, but this poor bear can't get to sleep. The other animals from the forest pass by, concerned for him. Each one tries to find a way to help him finally fall asleep, but nothing seems to work. If nothing changes, the bear is in for a horrible winter.

This is a sweet, calming story with a good portion of friendship thrown in. It's easy to feel sorry for the bear as he tosses and turns. The inability to go to sleep is also something kids can identify with, and they'll think back to the difficulties it caused them. But it's the growing visitation from bear's friends which make this such a touching read. They tumble in one after the other, each with the concern clear. It also adds for a tiny dash of humor as bear's cave fills with animals, each wanting to help, but causing more commotion in the process.

The illustrations have a more traditional feel and bring across the gentleness nicely. The animals are wonderfully portrayed, and it's a treat to gaze at each scene.

It's a lovely book to read at bedtime and sure to become one to be read again and again.



And here they are...

The author...
Karma Wilson is the bestselling author of several picture books, including the Bear Books series, Where Is Home, Little Pip?, and A Dog Named Doug. Karma lives Montana.

The Illustrator...
Jane Chapman is the illustrator of over one hundred books for children, including Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman and I Love My Mama by Peter Kavanagh, as well as Karma Wilson's Bear Snores On, Bear Wants More, Bear Stays Up for Christmas, and Mortimer's Christmas Manger. She lives with her family in Dorest, England. Visit Jane at ChapmanandWarnes.com





No comments: